Together in Aging: Communities taking action for healthy aging
Cathy Fox
Published on www.pontiacjournal.com on June 4.
CAMPBELL’S BAY – A crowd of seniors filled the RA Hall on Thursday, May 22, for the presentation of a recent report titled Health Status of the Population Aged 65 and Over in the Outaouais Region. The findings prompted public health and service agencies to host the event, aiming to include seniors’ perspectives in developing strategies for healthy aging.
Following a slideshow presentation, each table was assigned a facilitator to gather feedback in three key areas: food insecurity, physical activity, and loneliness. The responses—collected for a follow-up report to be shared with attendees by email—highlighted barriers such as lack of transportation and insufficient communication, but also pointed to strengths like active Golden Age clubs and many committed senior volunteers.
Attendees enjoyed a boxed lunch and musical entertainment by Nikki B on fiddle and Andrew on guitar, with rhythm instruments passed around the crowd for participation. Sponsored by a cultural grant from the MRC, the duo will perform two more sessions
at each of three local seniors’ residences, where the rhythm instruments will be donated.
Event sponsors included CISSSO, TransporAction, Connexions Resource Centre,
and the Beacon Network.
Photo – Seniors from the Calumet Island apartments speak with
Stéphanie Hébert-Potter (MRC) and Shelley Heaphy (Connexions).
Photo credit (CF)
